2. Location The Suez Canal is an artificial water way connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The Canal is 163 km long and its width varies. It is 60 meters at its narrowest. The two major cities that are along the canal are Port Said and Suez.

3. History The Canal has been in existence since the days of the pharaohs. The Suez Canal as we know it today, started construction in 1854 and was completed in 1869. It was built mainly by forced labour. It is estimated that a 125 000 workers dies due to cholera. It shortened the route between England and India by 5000 miles.

4. Cross Roads The Suez Canal is often called the Cross Roads of Europe, Asia, and Africa because the route is used to transport goods to and from all continents.

5. Ownership When the Canal opened in 1869 it as jointly owned by Egypt and France. The Egyptian ruler celebrated the opening lavishly and plunged the country into debt. He borrowed heavily from European banks but was unable to meet the payment and as a result sold Egypts shares to Great Britain.

6. Suez Crisis This vital corridor has been closed twice by war: Britain, Israel and France invaded Egypt but as ordered by the United Nations to leave. The canal became the property of Egypt. A 6 day war with Israel resulted in the left bank of the canal being controlled by Israel. The canal remained closed for 8 years. Today the canal is open to everyone. 1956 1967